The Phoenix Suns are on a roll, but their latest victory against the Washington Wizards raises more questions than answers. Is their relentless dominance on the glass enough to mask their inconsistent execution? In a 115-101 win, the Suns extended their winning streak to four games, but the manner of their victory was far from convincing. And this is the part most people miss: while their offensive rebounding has been nothing short of maniacal—securing 26 second-chance points compared to the Wizards' 10—their overall performance has been patchy at best. But here's where it gets controversial: should we celebrate their grit on the boards, or worry about their lack of defensive intensity and sloppy play? Let’s dive in.
Coming off a back-to-back in New Orleans, where their effort and engagement were spotty, the Suns faced a struggling Wizards team (7-24) and still managed to look less than dominant. Despite shooting just 30% in the first quarter and seeing their star duo, Devin Booker and Dillon Brooks, combine for a lackluster 8-for-24 in the first half, the Suns leaned heavily on their offensive rebounding to stay afloat. By halftime, they led by seven, and at one point extended their lead to 15. Yet, they never truly pulled away, even against a Wizards team playing their second game in as many nights. This inconsistency has become a recurring theme, leaving fans and analysts alike wondering: is this a minor hiccup, or a deeper issue?
The Suns’ offensive rebounding was undoubtedly the game’s turning point, giving them 23 more shot attempts than the Wizards. But their defense was, at times, lackadaisical, allowing Washington’s young talent, like rookie Tre Johnson, to shine with a career-high 24 points. Even with key players like Grayson Allen, Ryan Dunn, and Jalen Green sidelined due to injuries, the Suns found unexpected heroes. Collin Gillespie, for instance, scored 25 points on five 3-pointers, while Royce O’Neale added 15 points with five triples of his own. Jordan Goodwin also stepped up with 14 points, seven rebounds, and two steals, proving that Phoenix’s depth can rise to the occasion.
Gillespie’s performance is particularly noteworthy. After a brief shooting slump earlier in the month, he’s now scored 15-plus points in six straight games—a feat only a handful of Suns players, including Booker and Kevin Durant, have achieved in the last five seasons. Speaking of Booker, he chipped in with 22 points, while Brooks led all scorers with 26. Yet, the Suns’ reliance on individual brilliance and offensive rebounding raises questions about their long-term sustainability.
Oso Ighodaro, filling in for the suspended Mark Williams, delivered another solid outing with six points, 10 rebounds, three assists, and two steals in 30 minutes. But even with these bright spots, the Suns’ inability to put away a struggling Wizards team earlier in the game is hard to ignore. Is this a team that’s simply figuring things out, or one that’s papering over cracks with sheer determination?
The Suns’ 3-point shooting (17-for-40, 43%) was a welcome boost, matching their overall field goal percentage (41-for-101, 41%). But their defensive lapses and inconsistent execution remain a concern. As the season progresses, will their glass-crashing efforts be enough to carry them, or will their defensive shortcomings come back to haunt them?
What do you think? Is the Suns’ reliance on offensive rebounding a sustainable strategy, or is their lack of defensive intensity a red flag? Let us know in the comments—this is one debate that’s sure to spark differing opinions!
